The Illinois Domestic Violence Act (IDVA) recognizes domestic violence as a serious crime. It creates a legal remedy for domestic violence victims called an ORDER OF PROTECTION, and requires that law enforcement officers provide specific types of assistance to victims.

An ORDER OF PROTECTION is a written order signed by a judge, which requires an abusive household or family member to stop any further abuse and/or prevent the abuser from entering the shared home for a period of time.

Who Can Get An ORDER OF PROTECTION?

Any household or family member who is abused by another household or family member. A spouse, ex-spouse, persons living together, parents and children, or persons related by blood or marriage are all protected.

Who Is Not Covered?

Persons in close relationships who are not married and do not currently live or have never lived in the same household are not covered by this law.

Coordinators for Victims of Domestic Violence

The Office of Clerk of the Circuit Court has appointed a Coordinator for Victims of Domestic Violence at each of the locations which process ORDERS OF PROTECTION. These Coordinators are available to explain the forms and direct victims in the procedures involved in filing a petition for an ORDER OF PROTECTION. Under Illinois State statute, the Coordinators can not fill out the forms for an individual or give any kind of legal advice. If the victim finds it necessary to seek legal advice, the Cook County State's Attorney offers free LEGAL ASSISTANCE at 341-2716.

Where Can You Seek An ORDER OF PROTECTION?

An ORDER OF PROTECTION can be obtained one of four ways:

(In the City of Chicago)

1) Requests for ORDERS OF PROTECTION, in which there have been criminal charges filed or criminal acts reported to the Chicago Police Department, can be processed at the Centralized Domestic Violence Court, 555 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL. The preparation and filing of the documents are handled by the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The victim should report to a warrant officer on the first floor. There are no fees or costs involved.

2) Requests for ORDERS OF PROTECTION, in which the victim is married and has filed or is contemplating filing for a divorce, and does not wish to take criminal action against his/her abuser, may file a petition for an ORDER OF PROTECTION in the Clerk of the Circuit Court Domestic Relations Division. This division is located in the Richard J. Daley Center, Room 802. Ask to speak with the Domestic Violence Coordinator, who will give you the necessary forms. The preparation of the forms must be done by the individual or a private attorney.

3) Requests for ORDERS OF PROTECTION, in which there have not been criminal charges filed or criminal activity reported and you are not married or are not contemplating a divorce, can be filed in the Centralized Domestic Violence Court, 555 West Harrison Street, Chicago, IL.. Ask to speak with the Domestic Violence Coordinator, who will give you the necessary forms. The preparation of the forms must be done by the individual or a private attorney.

(In the Cook County Suburbs)

4) Requests for ORDERS OF PROTECTION, in which there have been criminal charges filed or criminal acts reported to a police agency, can be processed at any of five suburban district locations. The preparation of the necessary documents will be done by the state's attorney, or an advocate. The victim should report to the state's attorney's office located in each district for assistance. There are no fees or costs involved.